I first climbed Kelso Ridge with my Dad on July 5, 2000. Today (February 13, 2016), I climbed it for the 55th time and completed the monthly grid, having now climbed the route in all twelve months of the year. This is the first trip report I've written (so go easy on me!). My hope is that it might be useful to those who want to explore this route outside of the normal summer season (there are plenty of TRs covering climbs during the summer).

If you venture onto Kelso Ridge past Labor Day, here is an idea of what to expect (disclaimer - every year is different of course, so take these simply as samples of what you might find):

September:

After Labor Day weekend, the crowds die down quite a bit and you might actually find yourself a parking spot somewhere near the summer trailhead. The first week or two of the month will probably still be summer-like conditions, perhaps with a refreshingly crisp morning. By mid-month, the tundra will be changing colors and your views from above will be showing signs of fall. In the latter half of the month, you might be lucky enough to look down towards I-70 and see some aspen trees changing colors. Don't be surprised if there is a little snow high on the route in September - things could be a touch slick, but most likely there won't be enough snow to bother you. In all likelihood, you'll be able to drive to the summer TH all month.

October:

Expect some snow on the route in October and be prepared for the rocks to be a bit slippery in places on the north side of the ridge where they stay in the shade. You should still be able to access the summer trailhead no problem and most likely won't need snowshoes or spikes just yet.

November:

In most years, sometime in November you will no longer be able to access the summer TH. You might make it to the Y in the road, but you also very well might need to start your journey from I-70. Depending on recent snowfall, you might even need to don the dreaded snowshoes! Temperatures can be downright cold in November - bring your mittens and face protection. Snow continues to build in the high country. Kelso Ridge could have enough snow to warrant crampons, but the scariest part of my November ascent was crossing the face of Grays on the descent. We dug a snow pit to evaluate the layers and deemed it safe, but we were still plenty happy to be across the face. You'll be happy you have your microspikes as the Grays descent trail will most likely be windblown snow that can be slick.

December:

By December of most years, plan to start walking at I-70 and the Bakerville exit. The road will most likely be pretty well packed by snowmobilers and other hikers. Above the summer TH, you will need your snowshoes (unless you are much luckier than me). Kelso Mountain will most likely be starting to load up its avalanche chutes, so it's important to take the winter bypass (either up the creek bed from the bridge or by leaving the summer trail at about 11,750' and angling well below Kelso's dangerous slopes, rejoining the summer trail at the wooden sign just above 12,000').

The difficulty on the upper part of Kelso Ridge shifts a bit as the snow accumulates. You'll want your crampons with you. Whether or not you wear them will depend on current conditions. It is generally best to stay as close to the ridge crest as possible to avoid potential avalanche territory. The knife ridge becomes less scary as it gets much wider with the snow from Dead Dog hugging the climber's left wall.

January

With so little daylight in January, you'll probably want to start walking the road from I-70 pre-sunrise to allow yourself ample time. Plan on at least 8 to 10 hours for winter ascents. Our January 2014 climb took us 8:21 round trip and we were moving well. As winter progresses, it's probably easier just to put your crampons on when you hit the ridge and keep them on. It can be a bit tricky and awkward when you hit the rocky sections though.

February

Six of us headed out from I-70 this morning just after 6:00 AM. We walked up the well-packed road to the summer TH, then strapped on our snowshoes. After taking the winter bypass below Kelso Mountain's avalanche slopes, we regained the summer trail just above 12,000'. We stashed snowshoes before turning off to Kelso Ridge and put on our crampons at the start of the ridge. Lower on the ridge, there wasn't much snow - less than we expected, but as we ascended, the crampons became more and more useful. We topped out in a little over 5 hours and descended the standard Grays trail. The face was fairly windblown, so crossing it wasn't a concern today as we hoofed it back down to I-70 to wrap up our 8+ hour round trip day.

March

I solo climbed Kelso Ridge on March 30, 2012 from I-70 and took very few photos that day. My notes for the day indicate that it had been very warm the two weeks prior, so conditions were closer to May than March. People had begun climbing Dead Dog by that time in 2012, so the most memorable thing about this climb for me was after leaving the knife ridge, I went around the white rock on its left hand side into the upper part of Dead Dog before finishing like normal.

April

Tax day 2014 was my April Kelso climb for the grid. 2014 was a much more normal snow year, so you can see that there is a lot of snow up there. The freeze thaw cycle will most likely at least have started, so you might actually find some fun snow to climb. You're still looking at starting at I-70 in all likelihood and snowshoes or some other form of flotation above the summer TH would be in order.

May

By May, you can most likely get a 4WD vehicle at least to the Y in the road and possibly all the way to the summer TH depending on what kind of snow year it was.

May can be a great time to climb Kelso Ridge if you are comfortable climbing on snow. I've soloed the ridge three times in May and had a partner for a fourth time. My favorite May day by far was a 2015 solo after a very snowy spring. I had virgin snow on the ridge the entire day. Unbelievable!

June, July and August are the summer season on Kelso Ridge, so I'll stop there. Just like any of the 14ers, the beginning of June on Kelso Ridge is still spring season, so expect snow and be ready for it. I had one June day in 2013 where my partner and I were the only ones to summit because we were the only ones who had crampons. Microspikes weren't getting it done for others on the route and they turned back.

Have fun! I hope you enjoy Kelso Ridge as much as I do.

Brad